Gates Smashed and Crops Destroyed as Farmers in Wales Face Threats from Hare Coursing Gangs
Farmers in the Vale of Glamorgan are resorting to barricading their fields with concrete blocks and giant logs to defend their land against violent hare coursing gangs.
Landowners in Wales, particularly in the Vale of Glamorgan, are facing increasing threats and damage from gangs conducting illegal hare coursing. Farmers are being forced to take extreme security measures, such as barricading the entrances to their fields with concrete blocks and fallen trees. Chris Edwards, a 45-year-old beef and sheep farmer from Colwinston, explained that he now has to use a JCB excavator just to move giant logs placed in front of his gates to prevent unauthorized access.
The damage caused by the trespassers goes far beyond broken fences. Gangs routinely ram gates off their hinges, cut through chains and padlocks, and drive vehicles directly onto the fields. During the autumn planting season for the next year's harvest, these vehicles leave deep ruts in the ground, destroying valuable crops. Furthermore, when gates are smashed, livestock frequently escapes onto public roads, creating severe safety hazards. Farmers also face constant surveillance and direct intimidation.
James Tudor of the local branch of the farming union NFU Cymru warned that farmers have been physically threatened and intimidated when attempting to intervene. Property has been damaged, and vehicle windows have been smashed. Tudor emphasized that farming is already in a difficult financial position, and these incidents put additional strain on the community. He also noted that South Wales Police is currently the only force in Wales without dedicated rural crime officers.
Hare coursing—the illegal pursuit of hares with dogs—was banned under the Hunting Act 2004. However, police forces have recently warned of a spike in incidents, often linked to organized crime and illegal online gambling. Significant increases were reported by West Mercia Police in Shropshire in August 2025, and by Warwickshire Police in November. In response, Welsh police forces, farming unions, and other agencies have formed Operation Galileo Cymru to share intelligence and coordinate action.
Inspector Huw Tyler of South Wales Police confirmed a definite increase in hare coursing, along with associated violence and intimidation, in the Vale of Glamorgan. The force is addressing the issue through proactive policing, utilising new funding for portable automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology and drone operators. Detective Constable Richard Paskell added that patrols in hot spots have been increased, though officers are observing more destructive behavior from the offenders.